Bulletproof Reefkeeping: Methodologies and Equipment

[naterealbig]

I’ve run the old school ASM skimmer for over a decade while replacing 1 pump which was probably my fault it failed. I’ve modded it with a gate valve to quiet it down and to make adjustments easier. It can pull as much as I want out depending on how I have the gate valve adjusted. I guess if it’s not broke don’t fix it with a $1000+ new style skimmer. I run the 4+ on a 220 with zero complaints.

Hi @eea60123 - what brand pump is your ASM using?

 

[eea60123]

Sedra 9000 I believe.

 

[naterealbig]

Return Pumps:

I set up my system with dual AC return pumps, run in a parallel configuration. I chose the Fluval SP line (specifically 2 x SP4's). I picked these pumps, as they were designed with an internal circulation/cooling loop which flushes water behind the rotor magnet, preventing calcium buildup which can lead to premature failure, and allows for a minimum maintenance evolution time and frequency. Both pumps have a flap-style check valve directly on the outlet, so that if one pump fails, the other will continue to run, without pushing water backwards through the other pump. Additionally, there is one less failure point for each pump, as there is no controller. I have had no issues with these pumps, and they have been running for a year. I have had more than one person recommend these (one who designs/installs systems for a living). Thank you @rockskimmerflow

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

Water Movement/Flow:

You could add the Random Flow Generator™ Nozzle to this list. It will randomly redirect the flow exiting your return line or closed loop and it does this with no moving parts - so, as long as you keep it clear of any debris, it will just keep working and randomization.

 

[ca1ore]

Skimmers:

Had my first reef tank in 1987. First skimmer was a limewood airstone driven DIY monstrosity. Second was a Tunze - don’t recall the model number but but it was the one with the green plastic collection cup. Third was a MTC HSA1000 in 1986 and I’ve stayed in the family ever since. Now running a modified HSA3000. I prefer mazzei/beckett powered external recirculating skimmers.

 

[ca1ore]

Return Pumps:

I’m firmly in the external AC pump camp. Have had a basement sump room now since 1997, so I need something with a good pressure rating. I don’t need variable flow or fancy displays, but I do expect reliable longevity. My original return pump, an Iwaki 40 lasted 19 years. I now use PanWorld almost exclusively and have models up to 10 years in use.

 

[S2G]

Skimmers:

Tunze skimmers. They have an overflow feature and are truely set and forget as they come.
I used a tunze skimmer that was on a rail system that floated on top of the tank in the late 80' early 90's. That thing just worked.
I have a 9410dc on my 120 and 45 frag tank.
Turn it off turn it back on with no adjustment. It just skims.
They should be more popular but they are not.

I totally agree with tunze. I had a 9410 pretty much since they came out. Bullet proof as they come. Looks like a little toy but it is an absolute beast.

I had a 200int reef octo classic that came with a setup that was running for yrs in someone's tank, went 5 with me, & is still going strong at a friend's house

 

[naterealbig]

I’m firmly in the external AC pump camp. Have had a basement sump room now since 1997, so I need something with a good pressure rating. I don’t need variable flow or fancy displays, but I do expect reliable longevity. My original return pump, an Iwaki 40 lasted 19 years. I now use PanWorld almost exclusively and have models up to 10 years in use.

19 years is insane. Do you run 2 for redundancy? How do you mitigate effects of potential failure if only running a single pump? I suppose you could just replace at year 18 . Are there any indicators you use to determine performance/degradation?

 

[naterealbig]

Had my first reef tank in 1987. First skimmer was a limewood airstone driven DIY monstrosity. Second was a Tunze - don’t recall the model number but but it was the one with the green plastic collection cup. Third was a MTC HSA1000 in 1986 and I’ve stayed in the family ever since. Now running a modified HSA3000. I prefer mazzei/beckett powered external recirculating skimmers.

Do you run your HSA w/ the Pan World as well?

 

[Bpb]

Great thread. I wish I could claim the 10 year badge, but I got my first reef tank in 2011. To date the longest living piece of equipment I own is a JBJ Auto topoff. I bought new in 2012, so that makes it about 7 years old now. Haven’t cleaned the floats in years. Running off the same aqualifter pump.

I think that kind I’d longevity on this unit is uncommon though and when it dies I’ll likely replace it with a tunze.

 

[ca1ore]

Do you run your HSA w/ the Pan World as well?

Yes, mazzei/beckett skimmers really need a pressure-rated pump. Using the PW150 on my HSA3000 (PW200 was too strong).

 

[ca1ore]

19 years is insane. Do you run 2 for redundancy? How do you mitigate effects of potential failure if only running a single pump? I suppose you could just replace at year 18 . Are there any indicators you use to determine performance/degradation?

Ironically, the Iwaki didn't actually die at 19, I just got nervous and replaced it proactively. I don't run redundant return pumps, though I do keep a drop-in replacement on hand. The only Iwaki/PW failure I have had was with the smallest model (PW10) which was more operator error because I was asking it to do too much. Otherwise, I've not had a single failure of the larger models (probably now I've just jinxed myself). Buddy of mine did have a PW200 fail on him (it started making unfortunate noises) but he's a technology idiot so I suspect it was more him than the pump. I do keep an ear out for any funny noises as indication that something may be amiss. So far nothing.

 

[C. Eymann]

Return Pumps:

Bigger systems: Blueline or Iwaki

Smaller sys: Ehiem, Magdrive, Vectra

Skimmers:

Best bang for your buck is going to be reef octopus hands down, I like Vertex as well

Plumbing:

Schedule 40 or 80

Heaters:

finnex titanium/ranco for bigger tanks
Ehiem or Cobalt Neotherm for smaller setups

Media Reactors:

BRS = best bang for your buck

Vertex if cost isnt a big issue

Wiring and Electrical:

DIY with server wire racks

Dosing: Calcium Reactors/Kalk Reactors/Dosing Pumps

Calcium reactor + kalk stirrer (geo, korallin, Precision Marine, MRC)

Monitors/Controllers/Alarms/Warnings/Notifications:

Apex, mostly for monitoring.

Water Top Off / Water changes:

Tunze osmolator, wont ever trust anything else personally.

Mechanical Filtration: Media/Sponges/Filters/Rollers

If I can't commit to changing socks every 3 days , I don't use them, if room/cost was not an issue a roller mat would be ideal

Backup Power:

generator

Water Movement/Flow:

Depends, on longer big tanks 5ft+ Tunze stream pumps.

4 ft or shorter I prefer Vortechs


Just my .02

 

[Stigigemla]

Most important of all: Keep a logbook. If You have in Your Computer, telephone or on paper isnt important. The important thing is to record every change You make.

With todays equipment I would run a dosing pump not a calc reactor. Just check that it has the same dosing heads as GHL, IKS or Fauna Marin and Santoprene or Neoprene tubes. Those dosing heads will normally stand for more than 3000 gallons and the tube more than 1000 gallons of dosing. And they dont crack.

I wouldnt use DC return pumps. I have Newjet 6000 and 8000. 1 of 4 has gone in 11 years. I have changed 2 impellers so it might be good to have 1 extra at home. Sicce silent appears to be reliable too.

I would choose a skimmer with a separate AC pump. Again most DC pumps are not reliable enough. With a separate skimmer pump You will always be able to find a replacement. If it is build inside of the skimmer You have to find the exact same model.

I run Eheim/Jäger heaters with an extra thermostate to switch off if the tank gets too hot.

I wouldnt use Apex for controlling. Its not safe enough and it is easy to forget the maintenance of the probes. But for monitoring and alarming its good.

A Roller filter is a much better solution then filter socks.

Tunze Osmolator for ATO.

I have a backup gasoline generator that I test almost every Year.

And finally Keep it simple stupid a much as You can.

 

[naterealbig]

Most important of all: Keep a logbook. If You have in Your Computer, telephone or on paper isnt important. The important thing is to record every change You make.

With todays equipment I would run a dosing pump not a calc reactor. Just check that it has the same dosing heads as GHL, IKS or Fauna Marin and Santoprene or Neoprene tubes. Those dosing heads will normally stand for more than 3000 gallons and the tube more than 1000 gallons of dosing. And they dont crack.

What are your reasons for not liking the calcium reactor solution? Reliance on probes? If you were able to run the reactor without a probe, would this be any different?

I wouldnt use DC return pumps. I have Newjet 6000 and 8000. 1 of 4 has gone in 11 years. I have changed 2 impellers so it might be good to have 1 extra at home. Sicce silent appears to be reliable too.

Definitely a trend here. From a reliability standpoint (and not longevity) would you consider running 2 x DC pumps in parallel?

I would choose a skimmer with a separate AC pump. Again most DC pumps are not reliable enough. With a separate skimmer pump You will always be able to find a replacement. If it is build inside of the skimmer You have to find the exact same model.

Definitely a great perspective. What skimmer and pump combination do you use?

I run Eheim/Jäger heaters with an extra thermostate to switch off if the tank gets too hot.

What thermostat do you use?

I wouldnt use Apex for controlling. Its not safe enough and it is easy to forget the maintenance of the probes. But for monitoring and alarming its good.

A Roller filter is a much better solution then filter socks.

I would think the roller solution would add a level of complexity and potential failure point to a system. Although, I suppose the effects of failure here are not great. The water would overflow into a sump, and detritus either settles or gets pulled out by the skimmer. No difference really, than what one might do if they were going on vacation and simply remove the filter socks.

Tunze Osmolator for ATO.

I have a backup gasoline generator that I test almost every Year.

And finally Keep it simple stupid a much as You can.

Check, check, and check.

 

[Scorpius]

Deltec skimmers cant be beat.

 

[schooncw]

Water Top Off / Water changes:

Tunze

 

[schooncw]

Tunze skimmers. They have an overflow feature and are truely set and forget as they come.
I used a tunze skimmer that was on a rail system that floated on top of the tank in the late 80' early 90's. That thing just worked.
I have a 9410dc on my 120 and 45 frag tank.
Turn it off turn it back on with no adjustment. It just skims.
They should be more popular but they are not.

I am impressed with my Reef Octopus, had it for 3 years or so . I do have a deep respect for Tunze

 

[schooncw]

Return Pumps:

Vortech

 

[Scorpius]

Vortech

Abyzz return pumps